Joppa, AL Family-Based Green Card Attorneys
A Family Preference Green Card for authorizes certain relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents to be granted permanent residence in Joppa, AL and all of the United States. If someone is a U.S. citizen, the relatives they can bring to the U.S. under this type of green card include children, spouses and siblings (if the citizen is 21 years or older). With lawful permanent U.S. residents, relatives who could qualify for this type of green card include unmarried children and spouses.
Permanent residency cards based on family preference differ in process from immediate family green cards, which are meant for parents, spouses, and minor children of U.S. citizens. A family green card attorney in Joppa, AL can help you to decide the correct type of green card category, helping your family to reconnect and begin or advance your lives together in the U.S.
How Do Family-Preference Green Cards Work in Joppa, AL?
First, the Joppa, AL family member who is either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident has to file Form I-130, known as a Petition for Alien Relative. This form verifies the familial connection that qualifies for the sponsorship. When USCIS later approves the petition, the family member outside the United States must remain waiting until visas are obtainable based on the date they apply and the current visa limits imposed by law. If the family member is legally in the United States, they can petition for a status adjustment by filing forms including I-485.
Each category of eligible relative has a defined preference categorization, which each have their own annual limits. For example, First Preference, or F1, is for the unmarried, over 21-year-old children of United States citizens. Only 23,400 family preference green cards are allocated to F1 out of 226,000 total each year. It's common for Joppa, AL applicants to wait for many years or in some cases, even decades for family-sponsored green cards to become available.
The Benefits of Hiring a Family-Based Green Card Lawyer in Joppa, AL
Navigating the immigration procedures takes time and hard work and in-depth expertise. USCIS does not currently release specific wait times for the processing of family-based petitions, which can vary significantly depending on the country you’re immigrating from and your assigned preference category. With that being said, there are reports of more than fifteen-year waits for F4, or sibling, visas. If you're facing the potential of such a long wait, it's necessary to file as early as is feasible and with accurate information. Your Joppa, AL family immigration lawyer can help prepare all the necessary paperwork and correctly file it for your specific visa type.
An immigration attorney in Joppa, AL can assist you with understanding constantly changing laws and regulations and clarify confusing paperwork. They understand the application timelines and can help your family get ready for eventual visa interviews. With experienced legal representation on your side, you can reduce wait times, undergo a more seamless process, and increase your probability of a positive result.
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Joppa, AL: Your Family Immigration Attorney
When applying for a family-based green card, partner with the professionals at Weinstock Immigration Lawyers in Joppa, AL. Our founder immigrated to the U.S. herself, and our team includes many individuals who are immigrants or have immigrant family members themselves. Our multilingual, multicultural team of attorneys can help your family navigate the legal immigration process and enjoy some of the industry's highest rates of approval.* We’re here to help with all of your family's legal immigration needs. Start today with a free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure similar outcomes.